Greetings! My name is Sam. I’m presently an aspiring fashion designer with a passion for integrating the wonders of the the Lord’s creation into my designs. My ultimate aspiration is to achieve financial independence through my clothing brand, Outwest, while simultaneously creating conversation around the gospel.
In my design process, I draw profound inspiration from earth tones, organic patterns, and natural shapes, reflecting my deep love for outdoor activities and the beauty of creation. I am particularly drawn to design elements such as intricate patterns, innovative functionality, versatility—whether through reversible or interchangeable designs—and textured fabrics. My primary objectives for this year include forging a business partnership with a U.S.-based clothing manufacturer and launching my debut full collection, Manifest Destiny.
Manifest Destiny was the 19th century belief that the United States had a divine right to expand into the western territories of North America. For obvious reasons, depending on who you talk to, the connotation around the term may not be virtuous. The collection “Manifest Destiny” serves as a reclamation of the term and belief that not only is it our divine right but our divine duty to create unto the Lord and bring about a new age of revival along the avenues of creativity.
Exodus 28 was recently brought to my attention by a beloved member of our church body. This particular word has God instructing Moses on how to prepare Aaron and his sons to be priests. Verses 3-5 state: “3 Tell all the skilled workers to whom I have given wisdom in such matters that they are to make garments for Aaron, for his consecration, so he may serve me as priest. 4 These are the garments they are to make: a breastpiece, an ephod, a robe, a woven tunic, a turban and a sash. They are to make these sacred garments for your brother Aaron and his sons, so they may serve me as priests. 5 Have them use gold, and blue, purple and scarlet yarn, and fine linen.” Again, in verses 9-12: 9 “Take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the sons of Israel 10 in the order of their birth—six names on one stone and the remaining six on the other. 11 Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on the two stones the way a gem cutter engraves a seal. Then mount the stones in gold filigree settings 12 and fasten them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod as memorial stones for the sons of Israel. Aaron is to bear the names on his shoulders as a memorial before the Lord.
The meticulous care and intentional purpose that went into each of the processes for the prieslty garments just continues to spawn such questions that arise in me; What if I came before the Lord in such a way as this before creating? What power would it unlock? Can I be even more intentional with what I’m doing and how can I use it to serve the Lord?
I encourage you to consider or even renew such commitments!
Sam Daugherty